The most compelling theory, at the moment, is that hangovers result from a buildup of acetaldehyde, a toxic compound, in the body. As the body processes alcohol, acetaldehyde is the very first byproduct, and it’s estimated to be between 10 and 30 times as toxic as alcohol itself. In controlled studies, it’s been found to cause symptoms such as sweating, skin flushing, nausea and vomiting.

Hangovers could also be driven by the way alcohol messes with your immune system. Studies have found strong correlations between high levels of cytokines—molecules that the immune system uses for signaling—and hangover symptoms. Normally, the body might use cytokines to trigger a fever of inflammatory response to battle an infection, but it seems that excessive alcohol consumption can also provoke cytokine release, leading to symptoms like muscle aches, fatigue, headache or nausea, as well as cognitive effects like memory loss or irritation.

My unhealthy option is a toasted egg and bacon sandwich, a can of energy drink like Red Bull or V, half a box of painkillers, a slothful lie around on the couch and endless hours of pissing and moaning and generally praying for a quick death.

My ever so slightly more healthy option, is to replace the energy drink with a banana smoothie.....maybe two. But the sound of the blender is often far more than my pounding head can bear

But my absolute guarantee when all else fails.......the one certain to remove all traces of said hangover.....at least until tomorrow, is to climb right back up on that horse. Another drink please inn keeper......make it a strong one and keep 'em coming. The first few are generally far from pleasant, but after that it's smooth sailing.

The word 'bugger' is essentially another word for sodomy in British English. In the UK, there have been various 'buggery laws' over the last five hundred years or so (which have been repealed). To those that know what the word means and its etymology, it is still considered crude.

The word 'bugger' is essentially another word for sodomy in British English.

In the 14th century, the word "sodomy" was used for all illicit forms of sexual relations, not only homosexuality: it covered extra-marital relations, intra-marital relations on days when intercourse was prohibited, and (of course) bestiality.

14th century hangover remedies included drinking a solution of saffron in water, and if the sufferer wished to vomit, soaking the scrotum in vinegar. Not sure how anybody would go about this if they didn't have a scrotum. Not sure why anybody would want to do it anyway, with or without one.

(Magenta. For everything you always wanted to know about the 14th Century, but were afraid to ask.)

Sorry, I don't have any hangover remedies to offer. Maybe one - don't drink in the first place (boring advice).

I was drunk once in my life. That was when I was in the German armed forces (the so-called Bundeswehr). Some comrades encouraged me to drink more than I could take (which is ridiculously low amounts of alcohol to begin with). I felt extremely bad (reportedly I've been saying "I don't wanna live any more"), had to vomit several times. Then they dragged me to the bathroom and turned on the shower. That helped a bit (also to clean up the clothes).

Sorry, I don't have any hangover remedies to offer. Maybe one - don't drink in the first place (boring advice).

I was drunk once in my life. That was when I was in the German armed forces (the so-called Bundeswehr). Some comrades encouraged me to drink more than I could take (which is ridiculously low amounts of alcohol to begin with). I felt extremely bad (reportedly I've been saying "I don't wanna live any more"), had to vomit several times. Then they dragged me to the bathroom and turned on the shower. That helped a bit (also to clean up the clothes).

Lesson learned ;-)

That's the army for you!

I read a while back that Richard E. Grant is teetotal because of an allergy to alcohol. After being cast for the rôle of Withnail in 'Withnail and I', the staff decided to get him drunk just once so that he could understand some of the feelings that come with extreme inebriation. If I remember correctly, they persuaded him to drink a pint of vodka.

I can't afford to have hangovers anymore. I have two small children at home. Having a hangover when its just you and you can lounge around all day is one thing. A hangover with a one year old and three year old is pure hell.

Unfortunately for me, I do enjoy the drink quite a bit. I am of Irish and German descent...50/50. Pretty much in my blood.

Gratuitous amount of calorie flux does it for me. Eat hearty high calorie foods (bagel, heavy cream and cheese, animal fat, etc), burning calories also helps a lot.. breathe in some fresh air, get your heart pumping and your liver working. Works wonders.

For those looking for a health conscious cure for hangovers.... uh... don't fill yourself with poison in the first place. Because lets not forget, alcohol is poison.

I also have a hangover prevention routine that has worked 100% of the time for me when I've made a point to follow each step. 10 minutes before you go to bed, stop drinking, have a multi-vitamin, an entire bottle of water, and brush your teeth.. boom, no hangover.

once my hangover was so bad I couldn't actually move for a whole day afterwards. I just lay on the couch at a friends house. hair of the dog did not work. I only managed half a beer before admitting defeat.

I tried the above method and it settled my stomach. still couldn't hardly move properly though...